You’d feel cheated visiting Osaka and not tasting your way through its vibrant gastronomic scene. On this 3-hour tour, you will see three main areas that will help us deepen our knowledge of food in the Kansai region and enliven our taste buds, both traditional and contemporary Osaka food. Designed for enthusiasts wanting a deep dive into Osakan specialties and those looking for a primer on Japanese cuisine, our tour will include plenty of food, entwined with a historical and cultural narrative.

You'll meet at the lively Kuromon Market - a covered arcade stretching 600 meters. It remains a professional chef market and a destination for tourists and locals alike. You may stroll through the market while sipping on a local juice as you listen to our guide's explanations, or you could be adventurous and try some local pufferfish. Depending on your appetite, you may decide to have several tastings or choose to save yourself for a sit-down meal. You could try Takoyaki (Japanese octopus snack), sushi, or ramen while discussing Japanese gastronomy. Next, you'll head to a shopping street in the Doguyasuji area, famous for its kitchenware and a trove of goods from Japanese knives to intricate bowls, and a fitting place to continue our discussion. You'll pop into a tranquil temple on our way to the bustling district of Dotonbori for a bit of a change of scenery. You'll reach Dotonbori, named after a former 17th-century merchant, Yasui Doton. It is famous today for its array of street food, serving anything from Japanese mochi sweets to Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). You’ll learn about the area and soak up the sights and smells around us. 

After an educational and delicious walking tour of Osaka’s celebrated gastronomic delights, you’ll leave each other with fuller stomachs and a better understanding of foods that are often curious to overseas visitors. You’ll have learned about the cultural and seasonal influences on Osaka cuisine, and Japanese cuisine more broadly.